Breeding plants to encourage specific traits is usual in agriculture but less common in ornamental horticulture. Daffodils, daylilies, hostas, lilacs, magnolias, and rhododendrons are among the 15 subjects covered by experts in the field.

An up-to-date encyclopedic reference to all known species, with the most complete listing of cultivars yet published. Since most magnolias are highly ornamental their garden use is a primary focus of the book, though every aspect of magnolias from history to hybridizing is treated.